Please be advised that contacting Ruder Ware by e-mail does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you contact the firm by e-mail with respect to a matter where the firm does not already represent you, any information which you disclose to us may not be regarded as privileged or confidential.

Please be advised that contacting Ruder Ware by e-mail does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you contact the firm by e-mail with respect to a matter where the firm does not already represent you, any information which you disclose to us may not be regarded as privileged or confidential.

Four Ruder Ware Attorneys Selected to Join Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation

Posted on Dec 04, 2009

The Wisconsin State Bar describes the Fellows as, "an honorary program, which recognizes members of the profession in Wisconsin who are known by their peers for high achievements in their profession and outstanding contributions for the advancement and improvement of the administration of justice in the State of Wisconsin."

These four attorneys join Lane Ware, Mark Bradley, and Dean Dietrich also Fellows. Lon Roberts, managing partner at Ruder Ware, states, "It's an honor for Ruder Ware to have seven attorneys as members of the Fellows. We strive for excellence in our profession and this achievement is humbling to each of us."

Attorney Melissa Kampmann Receives Up and Coming Lawyer Award

Posted on Sep 09, 2009

The Wisconsin Law Journal recently selected Melissa Kampmann as one of 20 "Up and Coming" lawyers in the state of Wisconsin.

The award recognizes those attorneys who are on the fast track to making a significant impact on the legal profession. Per WLJ, "They show determination - in legal work, in community betterment, and in improving their own aw firms."

"Melissa is a shining example to all young professionals, including those who also want to raise children. She is focused on what fulfills her and that includes being a wife, mother, lawyer and dedicated community member," states Attorney Mark Bradley, Shareholder and Chair of the Trusts & Estates practice group.

Ms. Kampmann advises individuals and families on a variety of personal legal needs including sophisticated trust and estate planning, premarital agreements, guardianship, and probate and trust administration work. She also assists business owners with the creation of new businesses and business succession planning.

Attorney Dean Dietrich Honored at Legal Action Reception

Posted on Jul 07, 2009

Dean Dietrich was recently honored with a special award of appreciation at the 2009 Volunteer Lawyers Project Awards Reception hosted by Legal Action of Wisconsin. The annual reception honors distinguished pro bono achievement by Wisconsin attorneys.

Mr. Dietrich spent countless pro bono hours negotiating with the Wisconsin Bankers Association and appearing before the Wisconsin Supreme Court in a successful effort to obtain a court rule that will result in banks paying interest on lawyers' trust accounts that matches the interest paid on comparable bank products. Leveraging his board of director role with the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation (WisTAF), Mr. Dietrich was able to roughly double the foundation's revenue which in turn increases WisTAF's grants to legal services firms. The primary goal of WisTAF is ensuring access to civil legal services for low-income individuals and families. WisTAF provides funds to legal service agencies to assist people with legal needs, such as family, housing, employment, disability and consumer issues.

John F. Ebbott, executive director at Legal Action, states, "The time and effort involved in this, and the dogged persistence it required, were tremendous. The entire Wisconsin legal services community is profoundly grateful to Dean Dietrich for his tireless dedication to equal justice."

Attorney Jeremy Welch Promoted to Shareholder Status

Posted on Jun 26, 2009

Ruder Ware recently promoted Jeremy Welch to shareholder. Mr. Welch concentrates his practice in business and commercial law, including commercial financing, mergers and acquisitions, creditors' rights, and general business law.

Matthew Rowe, chair of Ruder Ware's Business Transactions practice group states, "Jeremy's commitment to the firm and dedication to our clients is deserving of his promotion to shareholder. Over the course of his eight-year tenure with the firm, Jeremy's contributions have been significant, and we look forward to the leadership he will bring as shareholder."

Mr. Welch is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. In addition to his legal practice, he is involved in a number of civic organizations, including service as a board member for both the United Way of Marathon County and the Woodson YMCA.

Ruder Ware's Business Transactions practice group advises businesses of all sizes in a wide range of areas. Among other services, Ruder Ware attorneys assist with the sale and acquisition of businesses, provide tax counseling to businesses and individuals, and advise clients with regard to all aspects of business transactions. The firm has extensive experience in the negotiation and preparation of commercial loan documentation and the representation of lenders and other creditors in workouts and bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, Ruder Ware is one of the few Wisconsin law firms with attorneys who practice in the areas of securities and employee benefits.

Attorney Mark Munson Presents at the Annual Meeting of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Posted on Apr 22, 2009

Mark D. Munson, Senior Associate at Ruder Ware, recently presented at the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) 2009 annual meeting. Munson, who concentrates his practice in the areas of elder law, asset preservation and protection, trust and will drafting, and medical assistance planning, was invited to co-present with Chicago-based attorney Theresa Varnet of Spain, Spain & Varnet. Their presentation, titled, The Administration and Taxation of Special Needs Trusts: What Every NAELA Attorney Needs to Know, examined the public benefits eligibility and tax issues that need to be considered when drafting and administering special needs trusts.

NAELAs annual meeting, held in Washington, D.C., draws attorneys practicing elder law from across the United States. The nonprofit organizations mission is to establish its members as the premier providers of legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and people as they age.

Im honored to be selected amongst my peers to present at the annual meeting of an organization that represents the gold standard in the practice of elder law and all facets related to it, comments Munson.

In addition to practicing in the areas of elder law and special needs planning, Ruder Ware's Trusts & Estates group of attorneys advise business owners and individuals in all aspects of business and personal planning, including the formation, operation, and growth of closely held businesses and the adoption and implementation of sophisticated succession and estate planning techniques.